Roof gardening is a form of plant cultivation that is done on top of a home or the building’s roof. Terraces and balconies can also be used. Various types of crop growing can be undertaken; flat floor crop growing or flat bed, vertical gardening which makes use of walls by creeping plants and hanging pot gardening. Consider the hanging gardens of Babylon!
Why Roof Gardening? As pressure on land keeps on increasing especially in metropolitan areas, roof gardening turns out to be an option. Different reasons comprise enhancing architectural and decorative designs, climate control, own fruit and vegetable supply, home for tiny insects, bees, butterflies, birds, and lizards, among others.
Roof gardening offers amazing recreational opportunities, not only as a leisure pursuit and pastime but promotes personal movement and exercise while taking care of the garden.
It not only encourages greener cities but promotes efficient waste and water recycling, therefore effecting ecological conservation. Green plants help to arrest excess carbon dioxide brought about by transportation vehicles and businesses which causes global warming.
Consideration of the weight of the soil should be based on the strength of the building’s floor block. If you plan to build your own house, let the architect and the engineer be informed that you would intend to do roof gardening.
Lighter soil types must be utilized, like peat moss and soil rite. If these are unavailable, try a combination of garden soil (50%) saw dust (30%) and sand pebbles (20%), such a soil combination is not only lightweight but additionally increases water retention and root growth You would never appreciate damp surroundings on your roof. To let excess water to drain off, put a coating of waterproof bitumen on the floor.
Throughout construction stage, water-resistant cement should be used on the floor. But, you may place burnt bricks (2″x4″ inches) next, place a net lawn on top to maintain soil on place. If the area is huge, place pipes along several places that lead to the major drainage holes and make sure they are coated by the soil. You may also improvise with covers to hold off heavy rains from damaging your crops, as indeed scorching sun.
By Guest writer: Jason Myers
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